Jackie Bradley’s path to Boston

Farrell was happy to congratulate his rookie outfielder, who said he wasn't nervous heading into his first game. “I was ready," he said.
Jim Davis/Globe Staff

Jackie Bradley’s path to Boston

Jackie Bradley has had a meteoric rise through the Red Sox organization. Drafted in 2011, he arrived in Red Sox spring training in 2013 as a prospect, but left as a member of the starting lineup.

Elsa/Getty Images
| April 2, 2013

Bradley made the acrobatic catch on Opening Day to snuff out a Yankees scoring threat, and he was on base three times in the Red Sox' 8-2 win. Look back on his fast rise through the ranks this spring.

Jim Davis/Globe Staff
| April 2, 2013

Bradley was unknown to most Red Sox fans when he came to Boston in January as part of a Red Sox prospects camp at Harvard.

John Tlumacki/Globe Staff
| April 2, 2013

Bradley, 22, arrived in Fort Myers as a longshot to make the Red Sox roster. He had never even played at the AAA level, and the conventional wisdom was that he would need more time in the minor leagues.

Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff
| April 2, 2013

But Bradley quickly started to impress the Red Sox. On Feb. 27, Nick Cafardo wrote that Bradley skills and maturity made him look "like he’s pushing the development envelope."

Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff
| April 2, 2013

The Red Sox played Bradley in center field and left field through spring training. He hit .419 in 28 games during spring training with a .507 on-base percentage and a .633 slugging percentage.

Charlie Neibergall/AP
| April 2, 2013

As Bradley continued to play well, buzz around him grew that the Red Sox would have a hard time sending him to the minors. Said Christopher L. Gasper on March 6, "He is the Next Great Red Sox Hope sprung eternal."

David Goldman/AP
| April 2, 2013

By St. Patrick's Day, with David Ortiz ailing and a hole in the Red Sox lineup, Bradley had won over a lot of people. Nick Cafardo wrote that the rookie had proven his value and earned a spot on the Red Sox.

Elise Amendola/AP
| April 2, 2013

Still, many argued that for contractual reasons, the Red Sox should send Bradley to the minors. By doing so for 11 days, they would delay his eligibility for free agency by one year, to after the 2019 season.

Elise Amendola/AP
| April 2, 2013

Yet Bradley forced the Red Sox hand. Manager John Farrell said that while they intended for Bradley to return to the minors when camp began, he had become too important to the team.

Kathy Willens/AP
| April 2, 2013

How did Bradley react when he learned the news of making the Red Sox on the team's flight to New York? “At 35,000 feet, he couldn’t jump any higher,” Farrell said. “I think he kind of sensed it all along.”

Elise Amendola/AP
| April 2, 2013

Bradley's debut came on one of baseball's biggest stages -- in Yankee Stadium. He batted eighth and played left field.

Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| April 2, 2013

Bradley was a sparkplug offensively and defensively in his first game. Though he didn't have a hit, Bradley, rear, scored twice and drew three walks.

Barry Chin/Globe Staff
| April 2, 2013

Bradley won kudos from David Ortiz as the Red Sox celebrated their victory. Said Bradley, " It’s definitely special to be able to contribute on your first day."

Jim Davis/Globe Staff
| April 2, 2013

Farrell was happy to congratulate his rookie outfielder, who said he wasn't nervous heading into his first game. “I was ready," he said.